Sousa-Horowitz The Stars and Stripes Forever

[@spikehofmann]

Valery made his transcription by listening to Horowitz's performances and copying them down note by note. He then performed it at the Busoni Competition in Bolzano, Italy (I believe). Thomas Frost the recording engineer who had worked on many Horowitz recordings heard Valery in Bolzano and enthusiastically told Horowitz about the young Russian. Horowitz was mightily impressed and he wrote Valery a charming letter. Horowitz invited Valery to visit him at his home in New York, which Valery did in early 1989, I believe it was. Horowitz was full of praise for Valery's extraordinary technique and musicianship and invited him to return to New York for lessons. Sadly, Horowitz died in late 1989 and the lessons never took place. queuing

[@JS-jr2ux]

i love the orchestra's reactions haha

[@stacia6678]

4:01

[@LouisEmery]

I had to look up the pianist's name in the comments below: Valery Kuleshov. His name should be in the description.

[@bobbycressey]

100%

[@busoni1]

Silver Medalist at the Van Cliburn. I believe it was 1991? He won the prize for his in interpretation of Morton Gould’s ‘Ghost Waltzes’, the commissioned piece for the competition.

[@twaoum6561]

@@busoni1 it was 1993 with Pedroni Winning Gold. The following winner didn’t even make the semifinals 😮😬.

[@busoni1]

@@twaoum6561 yeah I felt Pedroni was … okay. I thought the silver (Kuleshov) and Bronze (Taylor) were both strong.

[@twaoum6561]

@@busoni1 I agree.

[@danielthompson5785]

The first time I watched this, I couldn't tell it was real. Then the next step was being jealous. Now I'm at the step of pure awe and appreciation. I'm a good musician, but it would take me another couple lifetimes to play this.

[@morganmartinez8420]

Italian pianist Francesco Libetta learnt this piece in 2 days.

[@alexhaowenwong6122]

I've learned it, it's not too hard. If you can Sousa it slowly, you can Sousa it quickly!

[@davidhooper9466]

For a better version look up the version by the transcriptionist, Vladimir Horowitz. His voicing and deftness of touch can't be beat.

[@chickenflavor9880]

@@davidhooper9466 he invented it.

[@jennytawler7492]

I just LOVE how the members of the orchestra, who presumably have a more informed view than us mere mortals, are lost in jaw-dropping appreciation of this pianist’s talent!

[@jasjas-rm9kc]

They know, for sure.

[@constantinefilardi7522]

I'm so happy that someone identified the pianist as Valery Kuleshov. Yes, an extraordinary talent indeed!!!

[@carlwcampbell]

To all that have been asking who the pianist is, his name is Valery Kuleshov (russian). According to his biography, he transcribed this piece (in the late 90s) from listening to a Horowitz's LP (at the time, it was unpublished). This concert is from around the year 2000.

[@ewallt]

That's impressive! (that he transcribed this from a recording)

[@dennisdeemii]

his pedal and phrasing are clearer than Horowitz's lol awesome arrangement and pianist.

[@CJ-xw4tl]

It still is unpublished. Horowitz wrote this but stopped performing it because people only liked this and disregarded his other pieces that he played during that performance. "I'm never going to play this peace again, and neither will anyone else" Many people have done a similar thing but they won't be 100 percent right

[@mkeysou812]

2000?? Judging from the attire and look of the thing, I thought it was the 70s!

[@stevendaniel8126]

That took guts.......

[@pianogeekdan4621]

The guy at 4:01 finally realized why his mom kept forcing him to play piano

[@AstridHerard]

Lol I thought the same

[@bctesla]

Yea this is like Eruption times 10 thousand .

[@tomewall8982]

This is my favorite rendition of this arrangement for two reasons. One is it is extremely clean; you can hear every note. The other is the tempo. This is a march, and if it is played too quickly (which Stars and Stripes often is), it loses the feeling of a march. A march, by definition, is something you should be able to march to.

[@SonshineLady7]

Great points!

[@QueenGlory13]

Also towards the end I was really impressed how he played the melody and the background part at the same time, which I tend to find that most arrangements (of any song) don't do.

[@GDWhiting]

did horowitz tell you that 🤔

[@musical_lolu4811]

Horowitz's sentiments exactly.

[@mjcohnmd]

I agree. Not only is the tempo “right” but the tempo variations feel just right, especially the grand ritard heading into the last verse. Also, like you said, this rendition of Horowitz’s arrangement is extremely clean. You can clearly hear what are essentially four parts played simultaneously - the bass pedals, the marching chords, the main melody, and especially through the piccolo sections, the intricate piccolo parts with clear articulation of the multiple dramatic trills. Bravo...!!! 👏👏👏👏

[@xswooshx]

This needs a standing ovation. Good lord!

[@hardmuscl4life]

Beautifully played. The expressions on that faces of the other musicians is priceless...Valery's playing is beyond belief. Bravo...

[@drjmansplace5174]

I've heard a lot of piano players. This guy is one of the greatest I've ever heard.

[@wallabbywatters6681]

DrJman's Place You sounded like Walter Sobchak, at least at the beggining of your sentence.

[@stacia6678]

Valery Kuleshov

[@MrLULE]

@@stacia6678 u have discord?

[@user-vc2od1wg9o]

Рядовой профи.... Иначе-как иначе ...

[@fornello123]

2:30 two hands, three voices

[@yahyamhirsi]

That's basically what Piano music is all about!

[@felixfourcolor]

not all piano music are contrapuntal

[@b-louprint]

man I was hoping he'd do the melody and the piccolo part and thought maybe not it'll just be a reduction. never was so wrong, that was insane

[@OneJazzyBoi]

More than three voices... Bass, accompaniment, counterpoint melody (trombone), main melody, piccolo descant. The piano/keyboard is the superior instrument. I'm totally not biased.

[@tchaikovsky30]

two girls, one...

[@scabbycatcat4202]

The first time I ever heard this was on the radio and I became convinced it must be a duet. How could just one pair of hands hit all those notes ? I was astonished to find out it is played by just one pianist. It must be one of the most challenging pieces in the whole classical repertoire

[@peter-el7ym]

I was searching for "video of horowitz playing stars and stripes forever" and couldn't find a copy. I have been dying to see what his fingers were doing in an arrangement that clearly needs three hands to play. Thanks be to God this guy figured it out. My understanding was that another pianist had done so during Horowitz's life and he never forgave him.

[@jayteehazard]

The Flex of that piccolo part.. He really hurt the orchestras feelings with that.

[@maxpowr90]

2:16 her seat is wet.

[@joshuaburrell3387]

True

[@chrisnzella]

He did great. Betting the orchestra members were all tapping their toes. I sure was.

[@heatherwood2664]

*I have a friend who is a flautist, and absolutely hates this piece, for having to do the piccolo part 😅

[@bctesla]

Dude is playing an entire symphony by himself .

[@johnparkway]

And THAT, ladies and gentlemen, is why the piano has 88 keys! :). Bravo!

[@sylvanmingelen4975]

This comment is under rated

[@fxtrader6647]

the best commentary possible !

[@user-vc2od1wg9o]

У рояля

[@thatprussian9147]

Sometimes it takes 30+ people to make a musical piece sound good and sometimes it only takes 1.

[@byronking9573]

Starts out fabulous... And ends up brilliant! This. Is. How. It's. Done!

[@r.nickopeters2094]

Another classic performance it took me way too long to find.

[@gordonm7038]

R. Nickopeters I had known of Guy van Duser's guitar arrangement which is amazing and you must hear it but this is great. And by a Russian! ROCK ON!

[@alvarezkentalfe521]

The orchestra was so amazed that it looks like they didn't even know he'll perform!

[@jonedwards88]

The Dude at 2:40 wishing he learnt the piano instead!!

[@niccolopaganini4268]

@Darth Blader/Jonas Fababeir How do you not know it's a joke?

[@renaudgg]

HAHAHAHAHA

[@adamjacksonmedia]

Jon Edwards How do you know it’s a joke?

[@autumngirl951]

😁😄😆

[@BingDwenDwen]

however he was probably thinking, you screw that piano piece up dude

[@jtwilliams8895]

Wild. I’ve never seen anyone bang out a song on the piano quite like that, with such force and precision

[@SonshineLady7]

Watching this again as I do every July 4 and am, once again, amazed. BRAVO!!!!

[@stacia6678]

Are you still doing it? :D

[@SonshineLady7]

@@stacia6678 I actually forgot to do so this year...arrrgggghhh! Thank you for the reminder. :)

[@Skyhawk8282]

Just... amazing... best piano transcription of this march ever... end of discussion!!!

[@caseyrivera8947]

I disagree, I think volodos did a better job. Have you heard it?

[@kpeterson2011]

Casey Rivera I believe he/she is referring to Horowitz's transcription of the piece that both of these great pianists are replicating.

[@Skyhawk8282]

Casey Rivera Volodos' is quite impressive indeed! Nevertheless, I consider that this guy's interpretation is musically richer in terms of expression and tempo! Thanks for your opinion Casey!

[@Skyhawk8282]

Kyle Peterson I am actally a he hahaha! On one side, you are right: in my humble opinion, Horowitz's transcription is the best I have heard so far. On the other side, I think this guy's interpretation is more expressive and full of color compared to Volodo's which plays it too fast from beginning to end. Thanks for commenting!

[@adamgoldberg7330]

except this guy missed so many more notes despite playing it slower?

[@estesco1]

I think that is IMPOSSIBLE to play like that, I am more impressed each time I see this video . Good to be alive.

[@raymondshutt1289]

Absolutely brilliant! Bravo, Sir!

[@ticklemepurple86]

man I can watch this all day long and still be impressed each and every time

[@K43TOC]

Finally!!! Someone plays this the way its supposed to be played.

[@javierperalta7648]

That must be the best piano performance I've ever seen

[@davidhooper9466]

If you youtube the original version by Horowitz you'll hear the best version, in my humble opinion...this guy, while very good is no match for Horowitz. The 'voices' in the second half are incredible. Also, Horowitz is smoother overall. Enjoy!

[@jponz85]

​@@davidhooper9466 go watch Arcadi Volodos. Kills Horowitz in this piece...

[@NJTDover]

True. What can one expect from illiterate people embracing an evil and perverted ideology?

[@xswooshx]

Most impressive part of the video? Adjusting those glasses at 3:05. For real, though. I wonder if the orchestra knew about the performance prior to that day. I'm sure they knew, but maybe he didn't practice with them during rehearsals? Some of those reactions are as though it's the first time seeing him play.

[@kaizun]

By the way the audience is clapping at the beginning, it may have been an encore. So the orchestra most likely never heard him play it during rehearsal.

[@benoitpellet1657]

Yes, I think that just at the beginning, you can see that the pianist is actually returning to the stage for an encore call, so it might have been just as much of a surprise and a treat for the orchestra as for the audience. You can see that some of them, no doubt masters of their own instruments, are absolutely mesmerized at the performance.

[@RedPop4]

@@benoitpellet1657 I don't know, like most musicians, some of them look pretty snarky. :(

[@benunderwood5559]

Same with 1:07

[@dalezalewski7759]

Some of the younger women in the orchestra looked like they were in a swoon.

[@michaeldailey3219]

It takes a Russian to truly play 'Stars and Stripes Forever' ;)

[@CalamityInAction]

Strangely enough

[@jakeski6488]

😂

[@allstarmark12345]

Very true!!!

[@davidhooper9466]

Considering the fact that Horowitz was a Russian before he became a citizen of the U.S., I'd have to agree.

[@johns.8220]

Never heard the US Marine Band before, I take it

[@dricka49221]

WOW! I have never seen this played with anything less than 4 hands and many times with 8 hands on two pianos. Amazing, simply amazing. My mind could never think fast enough to move my hands that fast to play those notes, LOL!

[@kurutze]

To all who wonder, this concerto took place in Sr. Petersburg on 16'Jun'2000. Kuleshov played this encore after playing Rachmaninov's Concerto no. 3 Op. 30. There is a video of the full performance in Kuleshov's KZbin channel.

[@norikofu509]

Imagine being THIS talented

[@kluntox1079]

i've never seen so many holy shit faces in one video

[@batboy5023]

lol

[@fifty9forty3]

Absolutely FANTASTIC!

[@johnchessant3012]

lol the reaction shots of the orchestra probably thinking "this one guy is an entire orchestra by himself"

[@aarondelacruz7484]

Sousa would be so proud

[@bonnijordan2627]

Wow!!! What a brilliant pianist! What a majestic performance!!! Performed better than any I have heard play this masterpiece before! It makes it even more sweeter being a Russian pianist!!! I love it!!!

[@locojuega1939]

2:03 In this part appear the most iconic part of music in the history of the Argentina TV because this part of the song was used by Cronica Tv for show the news in the program

[@ephraim_1987]

wonderful... y se da tiempo para acomodarse los lentes!!

[@matthewsouthwell]

Best recording of this on youtube. Amazing. Absolutely amazing.

[@gordonm7038]

Beautiful! Great inflections. Greetings from Scotland Rock on my friends...

[@robrophside3691]

1:25 Milton Friedman is impressed.

[@allstarmark12345]

Das capital

[@destroystheovik]

Haha, love the guy at 2:39. That's the face of a man who just realized that he is now obsolete :)

[@Jportermwcc]

diminished O_o... Lol I'm sure that's not what he's thinking.

[@hirohiro5979]

とても馴染みのある曲のはずだけど、こんな素敵な演奏を聴けるなんて🥰 幸せです、ありがとうございます❤️

[@DeedsResearcher]

OUTSTANDING!!!! BRAVO!!!

[@bctesla]

I agree that piccolo is incredible right hand method

[@lynnpeppa1]

I must’ve watched it 50 times! Amazing! Bravo!

[@ponypint6635]

This was my memories of Memorial Fay, 4th of July and ALL patriotic American Holidays.

[@MatematicaTel]

Sometimes, it appears that him have four hands!!

[@MusicNerdMIDI]

I just love how he started playing immediately after sitting down and the reactions at 0:10

[@SonshineLady7]

I've thought that as well...no messing around, just gets right into it!!

[@dmitrykrivonosov73]

Valery Kuleshov is a really great Russian pianist

[@gordonm7038]

Dmitry Krivonosov Absolutely! He plays with passion, force and humour. Great player. Используйте свои пальцы как гром Ispol'zuyte svoi pal'tsy kak grom!

[@carlosrobbins9178]

Thank you for the attribution. I see that Valery Kuleshov is an "Artist in Residence" at the University of Central Oklahoma. He's bound to make his way to Carnegie Hall sometime.

[@Zeekiel]

Thank you for telling the name.

[@user-oi5mc9on9w]

鳥肌が止まらない、、 恐ろしいくらいの演奏。

[@gordonm7038]

Valery Kuleshov on piano. Great player.

[@alexm8468]

This is the best performance ever of The Stars and Stripes on piano. Better than Horowitz himself!

[@andrewfitzgerald-piano9468]

Alex M very true

[@giuseppebonaiuto7596]

Indudablemente que demostró ser un gran pianista ya que organizó toda la composición en un solo instrumento con sus dos manos a tres y hasta cuatro voces con una magistral seguridad como todo un gran pianista. No sé si alguien notó que al inicio me pareció algo Chopianesco que le quitaba un poco el aire de Marcha, si tiene sus partes chopaniescas pero no obstante estuvo espléndido, magistral, irrepetible, irrefutable. Le plus 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@querocomermas]

During such a perfect performance, he put glasses again and again for comfortable positions🤣

[@bctesla]

Perfect technique on left hand octaves . Amazing

[@Elizabeth1952]

@pianoenthusiast11 - Rach III....I was there.... and lucky to get a seat as there was standing room only in this great concert hall... Concert was a huge success .as Kuleshov is extremely popular in St. Petersburg....

[@firstsmoofy]

A marvelous performance!!

[@frannybecker]

Hello saudações 🇧🇷 obrigada pela visita 🌹 Parabéns mais um ótimo vídeo 👍🔔 Muitos beijos com carinho 😘 Love ❤️

[@emanuelhathaway1895]

4:01 even the Asian is highly impressed

[@orssidia]

Lol!

[@shannonwu5770]

yes

[@Balakirev_]

Emanuel Hathaway hahahahahaha!!!

[@edwarddieffenbach3270]

The Asians are usually the best at piano! hahahaha

[@alexhaowenwong6122]

Jews are even better. Horowitz, Kissin, Rubinstein, Argerich, Barenboim, Grimaud, Bernstein, Bronfman, Perahia--and most of them are Russian Jewish.

[@Bred0nSch00lV2]

It's a great song everywhere. One of my favourites in fact and I am from the UK.

[@truthisatmycore.7429]

Simply amazing!

[@francisj.connolly7788]

This is SO AMAZING! first time i've heard it on piano. thats the next song on my list

[@davidhooper9466]

I was in my forties before I knew Sousa wrote lyrics for this...best version with lyrics is done by Acoustix.

[@louswire]

..."I'll show them"...

[@louswire]

I'm worn out from this... fantastic!

[@irinashishkina6963]

Браво , Валерочка!!!!! С приветом из Мексики !!!!❤️

[@marieangebuffin3725]

C'est magnifique, il joue merveilleusement bien, bravo.

[@stacia6678]

Magnifique!!

[@alpacaaviator]

I try to use this as background music, but I every time I end up watching in awe.

[@ticklemepurple86]

I read in his biography that for a short period he studied under Horowitz himself!

[@brentaudi9354]

Awesome! Thanks for the upload!

[@ozrocco]

Fantastic!

[@Dontaking2008]

Now that’s rock n’ roll.

[@jimcollins2466]

Outstanding! God Bless America!

[@robertozac1885]

Semplicemente impressionante. Se non ci fosse il video, crederei che ci siano altri strumenti: perlomeno, i clarinetti.

[@flagwaver7650]

Beautiful!

[@gordonm7038]

Great arrangement! Greetings from Scotland!

[@gisterme2981]

Bravo for both performance and transcription!

[@micheljch]

there was a snort snippet of him playing part of the intro when Mike Wallace interviewed him for 60 Minutes in the late 1970s, I think. He demurred, but Wallace got him to play a few bars. There are of course recordings of Horowitz performing it but no full videos that I know of. But I could be wrong . . .

[@nekosuke0w0]

Awesome!!!!

[@AfroCubanConcertPianoLuisLugo]

Que moderno .........La era de los pianistas sin nombre

[@sharonshoop495]

Incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@danielthompson5785]

Crazy awesome!

[@ticklemepurple86]

Readjusts his glasses...like a boss !

[@clementbaijot6400]

Le gars c'est un orchestre entier à lui tout seul

[@Victorddt]

The greatest pianist are always russian, no question about it!

[@davidhooper9466]

The discipline of the Russian school is incredible...practicing at least eight hours a day, little rest and high standards make for good, arguably great pianists.

[@eldelatecnica]

Are you not entertained?!

[@suttonelms1]

Electrified! Amazing.

[@loupdubois5147]

BRAVOOO MAGNIFIIIQUE !!!

[@edmondscott7444]

Great performance.

[@beatlessteve1010]

Wow wow wow and wow again!!!

[@peteconrad2077]

When other eminent musicians watch you with their mouths agape.

[@youklassisk]

phenomenallllll

[@AlexanderArsov]

If you have any doubts about the genius of Horowitz, this is the right performance to hear. :D

[@akg_table]

love her expression at 1:18. She's just one of dozens of violinists there, completely unneeded, but without the pianist there's no show.

[@Cardstacker]

Wonder what she was thinking

[@user-vc6gd1hp5i]

It is the greatest of all piano song!

[@enzocypriani5055]

amazing

[@Kathy20102010]

Awesome and Amazing! : )

[@gordonm7038]

Great left hand.

[@gordonm7038]

And right!